Governance, safety and resident director support for well-managed buildings
Welcome to the January 2026 Habitare Newsletter
Happy New Year and welcome to the first Habitare block management update of 2026.
January is a key month for setting strong foundations — not only for buildings, but for governance, compliance and decision-making. In this update, we share practical winter reminders, a regulatory update on leasehold reform, and an important announcement for Resident Directors and RMC boards.
We’re also pleased to confirm that our Resident Director Induction Training is now being released to clients, with access rolling out over the next seven days.
Property Management Reminder: Empty Flats, Insurance & Winter Risk
Unoccupied flats present a higher risk of leaks, frozen pipes and heating failures during winter. For this reason, building insurance policies often impose stricter conditions when a property is left empty.
Most insurers require:
- Notification if a flat is unoccupied for more than 14 days
- Regular checks while the property remains empty
- Basic precautions such as background heating and leak monitoring
Failure to meet these conditions can affect insurance cover in the event of a claim.
If your flat is, or will be, unoccupied for more than two weeks, please let us know so we can help ensure insurance requirements are met.
Important note:
Some insurers treat shared accommodation differently. In certain cases, shared occupation may be considered similar to an HMO for insurance purposes and must be declared.ss issues before they escalate into costly damage affecting the wider building.
Legal Watch: Leasehold Reform, Commonhold & What It Means for Resident Directors
The Government has launched a consultation on major leasehold reform proposals, including plans to:
- Ban leasehold for new flats
- Move towards commonhold as the default tenure
- Redefine governance and decision-making structures
The consultation explores:
- How commonhold could replace leasehold for new developments
- The future role of Resident Management Companies (RMCs) and RTMs
- Director responsibilities, accountability and voting structures
- Transitional challenges for existing buildings
While these proposals do not change how buildings are currently managed, they clearly signal the direction of travel: greater resident control, stronger governance and better-informed boards.
This makes it increasingly important that Resident Directors understand their legal role and responsibilities, not only today, but in the context of future reform.process forms part of our ongoing commitment to building safety and regulatory compliance.
You can read the full Government consultation here
What we’re working on: Resident Director Induction Training – Now Being Released
SWe’re pleased to confirm that Habitare’s Resident Director Induction Training is now being released to clients over the next seven days.
This training provides a clear, practical overview of the Resident Director role, focusing on real-world governance, compliance and decision-making within modern block management.
What the training covers:
- Legal responsibilities of Resident Directors
- Governance and decision-making in RMCs and RTMs
- Risk, liability and compliance basics
- How to work effectively with managing agents
Access details:
- Free for Habitare-managed buildings
- Automatically provided to new directors joining in future
- Available externally as a paid course for non-Habitare clients
By equipping directors with the right knowledge, we support stronger governance and better-run buildings.
“Louise, it has been a blessing that you are on the team. You are a joy to liaise with and always respond. Fantastic service on every occasion. Attentive, kind and just get things done.” – Resident Review – January 2026
Improving How We Support Residents & Directors
As we move into 2026, we continue to focus on clearer communication, faster responses and consistent block management support.
Recent improvements include:
- Expanded use of WhatsApp to route enquiries more efficiently
- Ongoing refinement of internal support processes
- Better tracking of recurring building issues
These changes help ensure buildings are managed responsibly and residents receive timely support.
Refer a Building That Needs Better Block Management
Many of our new instructions come from residents and directors who’ve experienced the difference good block management and clear governance make.
Successful referrals can earn up to £1,000.
To refer a building, email support@habitare.uk with your name and the building details.
For support anytime:
support@habitare.uk | WhatsApp 01245 330 291 (text ‘Hi’)
The Habitare Learning Hub: Preparing for Change
With continued discussion around leasehold reform and commonhold, access to clear and reliable guidance is more important than ever.
The Habitare Learning Hub is being developed as a central resource for:
- Understanding leasehold and block management structures
- Resident Director guidance aligned with regulation
- Practical explanations of building governance
- Preparing for future changes in property law
This helps ensure Habitare-managed buildings remain informed, compliant and future-ready.
Ask Habitare: Your Questions Answered
Q: I have a question about how my building is managed — who should I ask?
If you’re unsure about a decision or process, please contact the Habitare team. We’re always happy to explain and talk things through.
Q: I’m not sure whether an issue is my responsibility or the building’s — what should I do?
This is very common. Report the issue to us and we’ll help clarify responsibility and next steps.
Q: What’s the quickest way to contact Habitare?
Send “Hi” on WhatsApp to our main number. This helps route your enquiry to the right team quickly.
Got a question? Email us at support@habitare.uk and we may feature it in next month’s newsletter.
Winter Living Reminder: Ventilation Still Matters
Even in winter, proper ventilation helps prevent condensation, damp and mould:
- Open windows briefly each day
- Use extractor fans when cooking or showering
- Keep trickle vents open where fitted
Managing condensation now helps avoid long-term problems later.
Health & Safety Reminder: Keep Escape Routes Clear
Please help keep communal areas safe by ensuring escape routes remain clear of:
- Bikes and pushchairs
- Deliveries and boxes
- Furniture awaiting disposal
Clear access is essential for everyone’s safety.
Thank You for Being Part of the Habitare Community
Thank you for your continued engagement and cooperation. Whether you’re a resident, leaseholder or director, your involvement plays a vital role in keeping buildings safe, compliant and well managed.
We’ll be back next month with more updates from the Habitare team.